Anthony Richardson: ‘I feel like I can perform the way Jalen (Hurts) did’
The Indianapolis Colts secured their intended franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick on Thursday night.
Coming into the league at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, Richardson is the best physical specimen at quarterback since Cam Newton. The former Florida quarterback earned his fourth overall selection partly due to a great combine performance. He recorded a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 10.9-inch broad jump.
Richardson’s physical abilities and athleticism are obviously impressive. Whether or not they can be molded by Shane Steichen remains to be seen.
Steichen, the first-year head coach, played a large role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance last season. As offensive coordinator, Steichen called the plays for one of the league’s most dynamic offenses in 2022 — a unit that allowed Jalen Hurts to flourish and emerge as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. It will be the intention of Steichen to do the same with Richardson in Indianapolis.
Richardson immediately referenced Hurts’ 2022 success during his draft night press conference.
“The offense is great. We’ve all seen what he did with Jalen Hurts and he told me we can do similar things like that,” Richardson said. “And I’m definitely excited for it because I feel like I can perform the same way Jalen did in a type of offense like that. So, I’m looking forward to the offense, looking forward to working with coach, and ready to get to work.”
The Indianapolis offense was terrible in 2022. Richardson comparing himself to last year’s MVP runner-up brings hope to a franchise in need of some.
How will Richardson fit into Colts offense
Watching the Colts last season was difficult. Head coach Frank Reich was fired after a 3-5-1 start that ended with Indianapolis having the fourth overall selection in the first round of the 2023 draft.
Along with running back Jonathan Taylor, Richardson’s size and speed creates potential for more offensive possibilities. Steichen used Hurts effectively in the Eagles’ running game throughout last season, while always threatening with deep throws down the field.
Richardson has a very strong arm but has struggled with accuracy. He will have Michael Pittman Jr., a legitimate deep threat who can stretch the field. After that, the Colts are pretty thin at the wide receiver position, meaning that Richardson will likely be used often in the running game.
If the Colts’ fourth overall selection continues to develop as a passer, he has potential to succeed in Steichen’s offense with his athleticism.
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